By Carolyn Spence Cagle PhD, RNC-E
At this writing, the U.S. had over 53 M confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 820,000 deaths since the pandemic began in 2020. Only about 62 percent of Americans have been vaccinated, but fewer “boosted” to improve their viral immunity. Despite these facts, you may wish to return to a semblance of pre-pandemic life. This may be possible by getting tested for the presence of the COVID virus, including the current highly infectious omicron variant, before engaging with others. Like many persons, you want a test that is fast, easy to use/receive, and inexpensive.
What COVID tests exist, how accurate are they, and where can you find them to get needed information to protect you and others as you venture forward in 2022?
There are two current rapid diagnostic tests available for consumers. More work continues to create additional easy-to-use, accessible, and inexpensive tests. The following two rapid diagnostic tests vary in the way they identify COVID-19 and factors that affect consumer use and test access:
Molecular Tests – These tests identify the genetic presence of the virus, are the most widely used type of COVID-19 test, and represent the gold standard for COVID testing. You may know this type of test as a PCR. There are seven such tests currently on the market. Numerous sites offer PCR tests that require a deep nasal swab to collect a viral sample for laboratory analysis. PCR results are often available in a day depending on the place of nasal collection. ID NOW (Abbott Labs) test identifies 93 percent of positive COVID samples and over 98 percent of negative samples compared to other standard molecular test results. Even Amazon has PCR tests for order with promises to deliver results in 24 hours!
Antigen Tests – These tests identify specific proteins on the viral surface. These tests cost less than molecular tests, use a portable analysis device found in doctor/clinic offices, and produce results in about 15 minutes. Six antigen tests currently are on the market and use a swab and test card to test for COVID-19 presence. Abbott Labs’ BinaxNOW is a type of antigen test. Antigen tests are not as accurate as molecular (PCR) tests but seem to be more accurate if you test early in an infection (within seven days of symptoms). If you get a negative antigen test result, some experts recommend getting a PCR, particularly with disease symptoms. Recent FDA evidence notes that antigen may less effectively identify the omicron variant as compared to PCR tests that may take longer to produce results.
CVS Pharmacy’s Minute Clinic and Walgreens in most states and sites offer no-cost COVID testing to people who meet certain criteria. Both PCR and antigen tests are generally available but check with your pharmacy or website to make sure. Medicare generally covers COVID testing as well.
Best wishes to stay well and find opportunities for growth in 2022!
References Cited
Billingsley, A. (2021, August 27). COVID-19 rapid tests: Accuracy, types and where to find them. Goodrx Health, Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-rapid-test.
COVID-19 map – John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Retrieved from https://coronavirus/jhu.edu.map/html.
CDC COVID data tracker. Retrieved from https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: What you should know. Retrieved from https://health-ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/coronavirus.testing.html.
De Vynck, G., & Zakrzewski, C. (December 29, 2021). As omicron washes over America, much of the country still isn’t using exposure notification apps. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/12/29/omicron-exposure-notifcation-apple/